The panel's selections may suggest a preference for the fern flags, it's possible that the koru (sp?) will win a plurality with the three fern flags dividing the fern vote, unless the voting process (which I haven't read yet) allows for a ranking of each voter's first, second, and third choices and tally more than once, each time dropping the choice with least first place votes and shifting each of those votes to their next favorite. Hope they have good computers!

Recently, I have seen examples of the 'black corner' flag flying alongside the current national flag - to give voters the chance to compare both together.

I still prefer the 'red corner' version of the two, but, am now leaning towards an entirely blue flag (which, unfortunately, was not available for consideration) as the 'black corner' is not a strong enough contrast with the blue of the rest of the flag and simply disappears.

There is no information as to why the 'black corner' was more popular with voters than the 'red corner' version, but, I suspect that it may have something to do with our national sports teams - most of which include 'black' as part of their names.

What the result of the next referendum will be is anyone's guess.

However, as the 'black corner' flag is the alternative with only about a third of the first referendum votes, I would suggest that there will not be a change of national flag.